Run errands or walk errands

Since my New Year’s resolution every year since Julian was born has been to walk 10,000 steps a day, and so far I have failed miserably, I have a new piece of advice for myself. I should be doing as many errands as I can on foot. I did so much better when I was on maternity leave and then when I was working 4-hour days. Now, I’m not doing nearly as much walking.

If you are reading this looking for a suggestion for the day, this is it: Run errands. For reals, girls, run them. Ok, walk if you’re not a runner. Put the kid in the stroller, backpack or front carrier and head out the door to the place you need to go. If it’s within two miles, this is a reasonable feat. For most of us, however, I’d guess we can get food or necessities less than two miles from home. We can do it. If you do it, come back here and brag. I’ll give you a virtual pat on the back. This is your 49th rookie mom challenge.

P.S. If you live up in the hills, you can drive to the bottom of the hill and start from there.

RookieMoms.com co-founder Whitney lives with her husband, son, and daughter in the San Francisco Bay Area where she writes about parenting, crafts, and activities that moms can do with babies in tow. She and Heather also publish 510Families.com, a site for East Bay parents and are the authors of The Rookie Mom's Handbook and Stuff Every Mom Should Know.

Great advice. Another thing I try to do is pack all of my driving errands into one day and try to do walking ones all other days. Walking they say is also great for the back for those of us trying to get some core strength back.
corey

My 18-month-old and I have actually been taking a short walk (around a pretty long block with hills – he’s in the SUV stroller) when we get home at 5:15. It’s twilight, but not super cold yet, and we’re only out for 15 minutes or so. It reminds me that even a short walk feels really good. He seems to be more calm when we get home too, not super clingy and screamy like he often is when we get home from daycare.

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